Babushka Doll Themes

The Russian mood is all through designers' collections this summer - and there's one motif that's a must-have.

The babushka doll, otherwise known as the matryoshka doll or nesting doll, is a familiar Russian plaything - dolls that 'nest' inside one another, with patterns of traditional Russian folk-wear including head-scarves and lace aprons.

They're sweet and old-school, and they're the new big theme for the season. Forget owls; these are the symbols to buy.

We're massive fans of the cult Charlotte Olympia babushka-doll clutch, a hand-embroidered confection in leather with whimsy and the traditional palette of red, yellow and black.

Want a more fashion-friendly conversation piece? The online Matryoshka Store has a set of authentic dolls with the bob haircut and designer sunglasses of Anna Wintour.

If you're more of a traditionalist, Pandora now has a babushka charm for their bracelets and necklaces.

UK retailer River Island, which delivers to Australia, has some pretty spectacular babushka earrings in Art Deco-style decoration.

And if you just want to pick up on the Russian romanticism, find a baroque-floral scarf and tie it matryoshka-style with a neat summer dress for immediate fashion impact.

Image: Charlotte Olympia babushka clutch.